Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SR923

Caption

A resolution recognizing the critical importance and contributions of global civil society in advancing human rights, condemning the use of political imprisonment as a tool of repression, and calling for the release of political prisoners across the world in commemoration of Human Rights Day on December 10, 2024.

Impact

The resolution seeks to raise awareness of and advocate for the release of political prisoners who have been unjustly detained for exercising fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of speech and assembly. By calling upon the United States government to actively engage in these issues, SR923 aims to leverage diplomatic efforts, including collaboration with international partners and civil society, to address the plight of individuals who are imprisoned for their activism or dissent against oppressive regimes. This could potentially reshape aspects of U.S. foreign policy toward countries that violate human rights.

Summary

SR923 is a Senate resolution that highlights the crucial role of global civil society in promoting human rights and condemns the practice of political imprisonment used by authoritarian regimes as a tool of repression. In observance of Human Rights Day on December 10, 2024, this bill underscores ongoing global issues such as declining political rights and civil liberties, as reported by Freedom House. Notably, it recognizes the struggles faced by civil society organizations, which are increasingly restricted worldwide, impacting their ability to advocate for human rights effectively.

Contention

Opponents of this bill may argue that focusing U.S. diplomatic resources on releasing political prisoners could alienate certain countries with which strategic relations must be maintained. There may also be concerns about the effectiveness of diplomatic campaigns amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Additionally, some legislators may question the practicality of taking on an aggressive stance against authoritarian practices without provoking backlash or a weakening of existing international relations. These discussions emphasize the delicate balance between advocating for human rights and maintaining global stability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SR688

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2024.

US SR204

A resolution recognizing escalating threats to freedom of the press and freedom of speech worldwide, including increasing harm to journalists reporting in conflict zones and under repressive regimes, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in upholding democracy, fostering economic prosperity, and keeping the public informed, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of "World Press Freedom Day" on May 3, 2025.

US SR145

A resolution protecting the Iranian political refugees, including female former political prisoners, in Ashraf-3 in Albania.

US SR74

A resolution condemning the Government of Iran's state-sponsored persecution of the Baha'i minority and its continued violation of the International Covenants on Human Rights.

US HR441

Condemning the authoritarian repression of the Belarusian democracy movement by the Lukashenka regime and calling for the release of all political prisoners as well as free and fair elections.

US SR287

A resolution commemorating the second anniversary of peaceful protests in Cuba on July 11, 2021, condemning the ongoing acts of repression and human rights violations against the Cuban people by the Cuban regime, and calling for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained Cuban citizens.

US HR579

Condemning the ongoing acts of repression and human rights violations against the Cuban people by the Cuban regime, and calling for the immediate release of all arbitrarily detained Cuban citizens.

US SR715

A resolution remembering the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, and condemning the widespread repression against citizens, the transnational repression against activists and other individuals, and the systematic efforts to undermine human rights norms within and outside of the United Nations system by the People's Republic of China.

US SR191

A resolution recognizing widening threats to freedom of the press and free expression around the world, reaffirming the vital role that a free and independent press plays in combating the growing threats of authoritarianism, misinformation, and disinformation, and reaffirming freedom of the press as a priority of the United States Government in promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2023.

US SR395

A resolution recognizing the contributions of the Montagnard indigenous tribespeople of the Central Highlands of Vietnam to the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam War, and condemning the ongoing violation of human rights by the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.